Russia Asks Hamas To Recognize Israel

Russia Asks HAMAS to Recognize Israel

http://www.zaman.com/?bl=hotnews&alt...60309&hn=30674

(Gold9472: Say what you will about Russia, but at least they're trying to do the right thing.)

By Anadolu News Agency (aa), New York
Published: Thursday, March 09, 2006

Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov urged HAMAS (Islamic Resistance Movement), entrusted with forming the new government in Palestinian territory, to positively respond to the international calls to recognize Israel and begin dialogue.

In his statement to the press after Lavrov met with United Nations Secretary-General Kofi Annan yesterday, the minister said they emphasized topics such as developing Israel-Palestine dialogue with Annan, and HAMAS's positive response to calls from the Middle East Quartet.

The Russian Minister added they discussed the situation in Iraq, Lebanon, and Syria. Lavrov announced Syrian Foreign Minister Walid Muallim will visit Moscow next week.